Hair blow-dryer system with scent charge

ABSTRACT

A hair blow-dryer includes a scent charge receptacle on the side of the air tube, preferably downstream from the heating element. Openings within the scent charge receptacle extend through the air tube to let ambient air flow through the receptacle and into the air stream within the air tube. A scent charge is placed within the scent charge receptacle, providing a fragrant scent that flows into the air stream, and is blown onto a user or hair style customer. Scent charges may take various forms, including absorbent materials that absorb fragrant oils, fragrant gel packs, or solid materials infused with fragrant compositions. Another embodiment includes an extension attachment for a commercially available hair blow-dryer, including the scent charge receptacle on an outer side thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to blow-dryers for hair, which includes a scent charge for blowing a desired scent onto a user. More specifically, the present invention includes, in one embodiment, a blow-dryer for hair that includes a vented receptacle for receiving a replaceable or rechargeable scent charge, so that the use of the blow-dryer applies a scent to the user. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a removable attachment for the end of a blow-dryer air tube, wherein the attachment may be affixed to the end of a blow-dryer air tube, and wherein the attachment includes a vented receptacle for receiving a scent charge.

It would be desirable to provide a means for imparting a pleasant scent or fragrance to one's hair during the blow-drying process. Such a device could be used on a personal level by members of the general public, or may be useful to professionals, such as cosmetologists, hair stylists, barbers, and the like, as a part of their jobs. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide such a means that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

Description of the Prior Art

The following references show various devices that are used together with blow-drying assemblies for imparting scent to a user. Each of these references are hereby incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,347

U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,347 discloses an attachment for a hair dryer which adds a scent or perfume to the warm air blowing out of a hair dryer. The attachment consists of a disk designed to fit onto the front end of a conventional hair dryer. The disk includes an annular ring with an outer diameter of approximately 1¾ inches and an inner diameter of approximately 1½ inches surrounding and supporting an open screen of vertical and horizontal strands of nylon or other inert plastic resin. Each intersection of the screen's strands supports a bead of volatizable scent. The screen and its beads of scent are protected during storage of the disk prior to use by two circles of foil removably mounted by means of adhesive onto the opposite sides of the disk's ring. The foils are removed just prior to fitting the disk onto a blow dryer. The disk is mounted over the mouth of the blow dryer, preferably by a cylindrical sheath of thin flexible latex, one end of which is attached to the outer surface of the disk's ring. Prior to use, the sheath is rolled up around the outside of the disk's ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,879

U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,879 is directed to a novel pad assembly that is provided for use with a standard hand-held hair dryer to aid in removing undesired odors from a beauty salon. The pad assembly of the present invention is provided for use with standard hand-held hair dryers which include an aperture for supplying a heated air stream and a barrier attached to the aperture for preventing objects from entering into or passing out of the hair dryer. The pad assembly includes a pad portion made of a flame retardant, liquid absorbent material which is sized to fit within the aperture of the hair dryer. The pad portion has a backing attached thereto. The backing has an outer surface on which is disposed an adhesive material for mounting the pad assembly to the barrier of the hair dryer. An oil based scented liquid material is disposed within and absorbed by the pad such that a scent is released to the heated air stream upon use of the hair dryer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,800

U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,800 discloses a fragrance dispenser attachable to the barrel of a hair dryer having a housing which is engageable to the hair dryer barrel. A replaceable fragrance-emitting element is contained within the dispenser. The warmed air flow from the dryer releases the fragrance. Various types of elements in a selection of scents may be provided. The dispenser also allows the user to attach conventional accessories to the outlet of the dispenser attachment. Another embodiment has a regulator for controlling the emission of fragrance into the air flow.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,771

U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,771 is directed to a scent charged aeration capsule assembly emplaced over the effluxive end of a hair blower whereby, during the blower's operation, a selected fragrance may directed into a subject's hair. Alternatively, a hair blower manufactured or modified to comprise a pad emplacement chamber permitting emplacement of a fragrance impregnated pad therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,672

U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,672 discusses a scenting device for use with airflow conduits. The scenting device has a porous first member enclosed at a periphery thereof by a frame. A mounting means is used to removably yet securely attach the scenting device to an air filter or ventilation cover in existing heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems in addition to use with hair dryers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,886

U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,886 is directed to an apparatus comprising a duct having a fluid outlet for fluid propelled through the duct and a container positions a substance for diffusion into the fluid through an opening. A movable valve selectively places the opening in fluid communication with the fluid in the duct and seals the opening to prevent introduction of the substance into the fluid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the apparatus is a blow dryer in which a heating element disposed in the duct heats air flowing therethrough. The substance can be a fragrance or a conditioner introduced into the air stream. According to other aspects of the invention, the container is interchangeable with containers containing other substances, such as different fragrances, and is completely sealed when the blow dryer is not in use. In another embodiment, a container attached to the duct ejects the substance in a spray external of the duct proximate to the duct outlet. In a particularly preferred form of that embodiment, the spray cartridge is interchangeable with a diffusion cartridge.

Publication No. US20070137060

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US20070137060 discloses a hair dryer air diffuser elastically fitted to the nozzle of a hand held hair dryer. The air diffuser is substantially conical in shape and is made of flexible material. The air diffuser has openings or slits in the flexible material. Preferably, hair treatment products are affixed to or embedded in the flexible material. As the hair is dried, the heat in the air emerging from the dryer, volatilizes the hair treatment products and deposits them on the hair.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a hair blow-dryer includes a handle portion, a main body portion having an electric motor or fan, a heating element and an air tube for blowing heated air therethrough. A scent charge receptacle is positioned along the air tube, preferably downstream from the heating element, and includes air holes or slits for receiving ambient air, and forcing the ambient air through the remainder of the air tube and out of the effluxive end thereof. A scent charge may be removably affixed or attached to the scent charge receptacle, so that when the scent charge is placed into the receptacle, the force of air flowing through the tube serves to suck air through the scent charge and into the tube, carrying with it a desired or pleasant fragrance.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the scent charge receptacle is attached to a removable tube extension, which may be attached to the effluxive end of an air tube on a commercially available hair blow-dryer. A first end of the removable tube extension is preferably round in shape, in order to receive the effluxive end of the blow-dryer air tube, while the other end of the removable tube extension may be formed into any desired shape, including a round cross section, a longitudinal slit, a funnel shape, or any other desired shape.

The scent charge may be of any desirable construction, and preferably is snap fit or slidable for frictional engagement into the receptacle. In one embodiment, the scent charge may be a disc made from a wicking textile material capable of soaking up a liquid composition, and a liquid based fragrance may simply be applied to the disc, as necessary. In another embodiment, the scent charge may be made from a fragrant gel pack, or the like. It is contemplated that scent charges that are commercially available for use in other devices, including night-lights and plug-in room deodorizers, may be used in conjunction with the scent receptacle, as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hair blow-dryer with a removable tube extension attachment on the end of the air tube that includes a scent charge receptacle having a scent charge positioned therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of a removable tube extension attachment that is adapted to fit on the effluxive end of a hair blow-dryer, wherein the attachment includes a scent charge receptacle having a series of slots to facilitate air flow, and further showing a scent charge that may be slid into the scent charge receptacle within a channel positioned on an inner periphery of the scent charge receptacle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a removable tube extension attachment that is adapted to fit on the effluxive end of a hair blow-dryer, wherein the attachment includes a scent charge receptacle having a series of slots to facilitate air flow and a hinged door with air slots shown in an open position, and wherein the scent charge may be placed into the scent charge receptacle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the scent charge receptacle attachment shown in FIG. 3, wherein the scent charge receptacle door is in a closed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hair blow-dryer having a scent charge receptacle affixed adjacent to the effluxive end thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a scent charge receptacle, wherein the scent charge receptacle is adapted to fit over the end of a concentrator attachment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the embodiment of a scent charge receptacle, concentrator attachment and hair blow dryer shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the lines 8-8 of the embodiment of a scent charge receptacle, concentrator attachment, and hair blow dryer shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a hair blow-dryer 10 having a handle portion 12, a main body portion 14 having an electric motor or fan, a heating element and an air tube 16 for blowing heated air therethrough, as shown in FIG. 5. A scent charge receptacle 18 is positioned along the air tube 16, preferably downstream from the element, and includes air holes 20 or slits for receiving ambient air and forcing the ambient air through the remainder of the air tube 16 and out of the effluxive end 22 thereof. A scent charge 24 may be removably affixed or attached to the scent charge receptacle 18, so that when the scent charge 24 is placed into the receptacle 18, the force of air flowing through the tube 16 serves to suck air through the scent charge 24 and into the tube 16, carrying with it a desired or pleasant fragrance. In a preferred embodiment, the scent charge receptacle is positioned downstream from a narrowed portion of an air tube (wherein the narrowed portion is part of the hair blow dryer, or an attachment carrying the scent charge receptacle, as shown in FIGS. 1-8). This narrowed portion of an air tube creates a “venturi effect,” which increases the velocity of the air coming out of the tube.

In one embodiment, the receptacle 18 may be positioned on the top of the air tube 16, and includes a raised, U-shaped lip 26 having a channel 28 extending around an inner periphery thereof. Within the U-shaped lip 26 is a series of air holes 20 or slits, for allowing air to pass therethrough and into the air tube 16, thereby allowing air to pass through the receptacle 18 with the scent charge 24, and into the tube 16 for expulsion at the effluxive end 22 thereof. A generally round scent charge 24, preferably including a tab 30 extending from an outer edge thereof for insertion and removal, slides into the open end of the U-shaped lip 26, so that the edges of the scent charge 24 are disposed within the inner channel 28 within the lip 26, and are frictionally engaged therein. The scent charge 24 is infused with a fragrance, which may take the form of liquid or oil based material, or which may be infused with a solid scented composition. The scent charge 24 may be rechargeable, so that when the scent charge 24 is no longer producing a potent fragrance while the hair dryer 10 is running, liquid or oil fragrance may be applied to the scent charge 24, which tends to soak up the liquid or oil. In another embodiment, the scent charge 24 may be single use application, so that it simply needs to be replaced by a new scent charge 24 when the previously used scent charge 24 is depleted.

It is also contemplated that the size and shape of the receptacle 18 may be formed to correspond to any commercially available air freshener, which can be removably inserted into the receptacle 18 and recharged or replaced after use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle 18 may form a closed, vented compartment, wherein a scented gel-pack may be inserted, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the compartment may include a hinged door 32, which snap fits closed over an opening in the receptacle 18. As in the above-referenced embodiments, the bottom or floor of the receptacle includes air holes 20 or slits, in order to allow air to pass therethrough. Further, the hinged door 32 also preferably includes openings, such as holes 20 or slits, for the same purpose. In use, the user simply opens the door 32 to the receptacle 18, inserts the fragrant gel pack or other scent charge 18, and then closes the door 32. When the scent charge 24 is depleted, it may be replaced by a new one.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the scent charge receptacle 18 is attached to a removable tube extension 34, which may be attached to the effluxive end 22 of an air tube 16 on a commercially available hair blow-dryer 10. A first end of the removable tube extension 34 is preferably round in shape, in order to receive the effluxive end 22 of the blow-dryer 10 air tube 16, while the other end of the removable tube extension 34 may be formed into any desired shape, including a round cross section, an oval cross section, a longitudinal slit, a funnel shape, or any other desired shape.

This embodiment allows a user to simply attach the removable tube extension 34 on any commercially available hair blow-dryer 10, rather than having to spend additional money on a completely new one.

In yet another embodiment, the removable tube extension 34 may be formed from a flexible material, such as silicone, so that it may fit over blow dryer air tubes of various shapes and sizes, including extensions or shapes such as a concentrator 36, where the end of the tube is formed into a longitudinal slit in order to provide a venturi effect to the air flow. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the scent charge receptacle 18 includes an elongated U-shaped lip 26 that extends transversely across the extension, wherein the short side lip portions include attachment means 38 for receiving a scent charge 24. The attachment means 38 may simply include a pair of holes, into which the ends of an elongated scent charge 24 may be positioned for use (as shown), or the attachment means may include any other suitable means for attachment of the scent charge 24 to the scent receptacle 18. The removable tube extension 34, in this embodiment, is flexible, and fits tightly over the end of the tube, or over the effluxive end of a concentrator.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user, said hair blow-dryer comprising: a handle portion attached to a main body member; said main body member including an electric motor to power means for blowing air; a longitudinal tube operatively connected to said main body member for directing said blowing air in one direction, said longitudinal tube including a heating means for heating said blowing air; a scent charge receptacle affixed to said longitudinally tube downstream from said heating element, wherein said scent charge receptacle includes a series of openings in a bottom portion thereof, so that ambient air may flow through said openings and into said blowing air stream that is directed out and through an effluxive end of said air tube.
 2. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 1, further including a scent charge that is removably received into said scent receptacle, wherein said scent charge is infused with a composition having a fragrance.
 3. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 2, wherein said scent charge receptacle includes a U-shaped lip extending outwardly from said longitudinal tube, said U-shaped lip including a channel around an inner periphery thereof, and wherein said scent charge is a generally round disk that slides into said receptacle through an open end thereof and frictionally engages said inner channel within said lip.
 4. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 1, wherein said scent charge receptacle includes a hinged door, wherein said door includes air openings therein, and wherein said door may be opened so that a scent charge may be inserted into said receptacle, and wherein said door may then be closed to hold said scent charge within said receptacle.
 5. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 4, further including a scent charge that is removably positioned within said scent charge receptacle when said hinged door is closed.
 6. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 5, wherein said scent charge is in a form of a gel pack.
 7. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 2, wherein said scent charge is formed from a material that is capable of receiving and soaking in a liquid fragrance composition.
 8. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 2, wherein said scent charge is rechargeable by adding additional fragrance thereto in the form of a liquid fragrance composition.
 9. The hair blow-dryer for imparting a fragrance to a user set forth in claim 2, wherein said scent charge is infused with a solid composition that includes a fragrant material.
 10. An attachment for a hair blow-dryer, said attachment comprising a generally tubular body having a first end adapted to be attached to an effluxive end of an air tube of a hair blow-dryer; said tubular body having a second end; a scent charge receptacle attached on an outer side of said generally tubular body, said scent charge receptacle having a series of openings allowing ambient air to flow into said generally tubular body; and a scent charge removably positioned within said scent charge receptacle.
 11. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 10, wherein said scent charge receptacle includes a U-shaped lip having a channel disposed about an inner periphery thereof for receiving said scent charge.
 12. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 11, wherein said scent charge is formed into a generally round shape, and which slides into said scent charge receptacle and frictionally engages said channel disposed about said inner periphery of said U-shaped lip.
 13. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 13, wherein said scent charge also includes a gripping tab extending from an outer periphery thereof.
 14. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 10, wherein said scent charge receptacle includes a hinged door that may be either in an open position to receive said scent charge, or which may be in a closed position to retain said scent charge within said scent charge receptacle.
 15. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 14, wherein said hinged door includes a series of openings to allow air to pass therethrough.
 16. The attachment for a hair blow-dryer set forth in claim 10, wherein said scent charge is selected from the group consisting of a gel pack, an absorbent textile material, and a composition infused with a solid scented composition. 